Ramsey Talks Tough On Tariffs

A local member of parliament has called for unity on Parliament Hill in Canada’s ongoing tariff tiff with the U.S.

Essex MP Tracey Ramsey, the NDP’s critic on international trade, rose in the House of Commons Monday, asking the members to stand united on her resolution concerning the imposition of aluminum and steel tariffs on Canada by U.S. President Donald Trump.

The Trump administration put a 25% tariff on Canadian steel and a 10% tariff on aluminum. The battle came to a head at the G7 Summit in Quebec over the weekend, when Trump left without signing off on the leaders’ communique, then calling Prime Minister Justin Trudeau “dishonest and weak”.

Ramsey said Canadians treasure their relationship with the U.S., but even good friends can have spats, and Canadians need to stick together on this one.

“In this difficult moment in our history with our U.S. neighbours, Canadians need to know that all sides of this House, stand united as one,” said Ramsey.

Ramsey’s motion had six points. The first two recognize Canada’s close trade relationship with the Americans and that the nation should stand with communities that depend on that relationship. Two more points involve opposing the tariffs imposed on Canada by the U.S. and calling for support for retaliatory tariffs going the other way.

The final points support Canadian farmers and reject “ad hominem” by U.S. officials meant to damage the trade partnership with Canada.